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Lesson 3 - Consolidating Defending Skills

Advanced Competitive Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to prevent our opponents from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To understand that defending begins immediately when possession is lost
To refine knowledge of defending techniques including marking, tackling and blocking
To apply defending strategies effectively during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate secure understanding of when and how to defend
Students will apply marking, tackling and blocking techniques appropriately
Students will work effectively as a defensive unit to prevent scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson begins

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor use

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students for warm-up)

Keep spare balls around pitch perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls for reduced bounce indoors

Cones

20-30 for pitch marking

Use bright colours for clear boundary definition

Alternative: Chalk lines on hard courts

Bibs

15 in each of 2 colours

Distribute before teams are selected to save time

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Goals

2 hockey goals or 4 cones per goal

Secure goals properly to prevent movement during play

Alternative: Marker cones 2m apart

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to mark a specific attacker, following their movements closely

Goal-side positioning

Positioning yourself between your opponent and the goal to cut off direct attacking routes

Tackling

Legally challenging an opponent to regain possession of the ball using the hockey stick

Blocking

Using your stick or body position to prevent a pass from reaching its intended target

Intercepting

Reading the play to position yourself to catch or deflect opposition passes

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and control
Understanding of attacking principles
Basic rules of hockey including safe play

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Safe tackling and blocking methods
Team defensive positioning and communication

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations and systems
Counter-attacking from defensive positions
Game management and time-wasting techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies goal-side marking

Demonstrates clear defensive communication

Shows immediate transition from attack to defence

Key Teaching Points

Defending begins immediately when your team loses possession of the ball
Goal-side positioning is crucial - always position yourself between opponent and goal
Man-to-man marking requires constant communication and awareness of opponent movements
Tackling should be timed when the ball is furthest from opponent's body for best chance of success
Team defending is more effective than individual defending - work together as a unit
Quick transition from attack to defence is essential for preventing opposition scoring opportunities
Patience in defending often leads to better tackle opportunities than rushing into challenges

Common Misconceptions

Students often think defending means always trying to win the ball immediately rather than positioning correctly first
Many believe that staying close to the goal is always the best defensive position rather than marking opponents
Students frequently assume that stronger tackles are more effective rather than well-timed tackles
Students may think defending is only the responsibility of certain players rather than the whole team when possession is lost
Common belief that chasing the ball is defending rather than maintaining defensive shape and position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use frequent position changes, clear and simple defensive instructions, regular positive reinforcement for good defensive play

dyspraxia

Break down defensive movements into smaller steps, use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time for techniques

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine for defensive positions, use visual cards showing defensive formations, allow processing time for tactical decisions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of defensive positioning, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for defensive instructions, written position cards for reference

physical disability

Adapt marking to seated positions where appropriate, use modified equipment like shorter sticks, focus on tactical understanding

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for defensive positioning, measuring distances for marking, timing and counting defensive actions

Science

Understanding forces involved in tackles and blocks, biomechanics of efficient defensive movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of zones and territories in defensive systems

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive units, resilience when under attacking pressure, communication skills development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside playing area to observe all students, position at corners during games for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive positioning, safe tackling technique, and effective team communication

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe play, support students struggling with defensive concepts, encourage positive defensive communication

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for defensive positioning, emphasise safety aspects of all techniques, involve students in demonstrations where possible

Verbal Cues

•'Goal-side!' to remind about positioning
•'Stick down!' for safe tackling technique
•'Talk to your team!' to encourage communication
•'Patient defending!' to prevent rushing into tackles

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 50m playing area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for hockey with no loose debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for splinters or damage before use
•Ensure goals are stable and anchored securely
•Verify balls are in good condition without cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-body contact during tackles
•Collisions between players when marking closely
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Strict stick-to-ball contact rule enforced consistently
•Clear boundaries and zones to prevent overcrowding
•Progressive skill building from low to high pressure situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe tackle technique and prevent dangerous play
•Monitor closely during transition phases when intensity increases
•Maintain clear view of all students during full games

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess calmly, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed